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Jackets' Letestu Pots Goal Wednesday

News:Mark Letestu collected his seventh goal of the season in Wednesday's shootout win over the Oilers.

Analysis: Though he had his shot denied by goalie Ben Scrivens during the shootout, Mark Letestu got the Blue Jackets into the extra period in the first place, finding the net with 10 minutes remaining in regulation to tie the score. As his meager goal total suggests, Letestu is rarely a source of offense for the Blue Jackets. The fourth-line forward is more valued for his skills on defense and in the faceoff circle.

Jackets' Letestu Puts Finishing Touches On Win

News:Mark Letestu put the finishing touches on Saturday's win over the Senators, potting a goal with 13 seconds remaining.

Analysis:Mark Letestu has only three points since the start of January, all of which have been goals. That level of production isn't significant enough to give him much value outside of deeper formats.

Jackets Activate Letestu From IR

Analysis:Mark Letestu has been sidelined since Oct. 28 with the injury, missing the last 28 games as a consequence. He will likely slot back in as the fourth-line center in his return to the lineup Tuesday against the Stars. Letestu has tallied five points through nine games with the Jackets this season.

Blue Jackets' Letestu (Groin) Could Play Tuesday

News:Mark Letestu (groin) has been upgraded to the point where he may be available for Tuesday's game against the Stars, Jeff Rimer of FOX Sports reports.

Analysis:Mark Letestu has been sidelined since Oct. 28 with a groin injury but began skating in December and has been practicing for almost a week. The 29-year-old hasn't received the official green light for Tuesday, although it seems clear that he'll be back on the ice in short order, if not Tuesday.

Jackets' Letestu Could Be Back Jan. 9

News:Mark Letestu (groin) may be available for a Jan. 9 game in Toronto, NHL.com's Rob Mixer reports.

Analysis: This seems like a fairly loose target date, so the more important point is that the Blue Jackets hope to have Mark Letestu back in early-to-mid January. The veteran center participated in Monday's practice.

Jackets' Letestu Practices

News:Mark Letestu (groin) practiced with the team Monday, Shawn Mitchell of the Columbus Dispatch reports.

Analysis:Mark Letestu hasn't played since undergoing surgery at the end of October, but looks like he's getting close to returning. He collected three goals and two assists in nine games before getting hurt, and would jump right back into the lineup upon his return.

Jackets' Letestu Skates Again Wednesday

News:Mark Letestu (groin) skated Wednesday for the second time since undergoing surgery just over two weeks ago, Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch reports.

Analysis:Mark Letestu showed some further signs of progress Wednesday and could soon be ready to rejoin the team for practices. He's still probably at least a week away from returning from injured reserve.

Blue Jackets' Letestu Out Six More Weeks

News:Mark Letestu underwent surgery Tuesday to repair groin and abdominal injuries and is expected to be out six weeks.

Analysis:Mark Letestu was nearing his expected return, but he has not been able to get healthy since injuring his groin in late October, and the Blue Jackets ultimately decided to send him under the knife. He will be sidelined until sometime in January.

Jackets' Letestu Skating Again

Analysis:Mark Letestu hadn't skated since suffering a setback on Nov. 14, just days after his first return to the ice. It's unknown when he'll be ready to return, but Letestu was playing serious minutes (16:28 on average) and could step right back into top-six ice time when he's ready.

Jackets' Letestu Resumes Skating

Analysis:Mark Letestu's return to ice indicates progress, but he still hasn't received clearance to rejoin the team for practice. The forward is already at the two-week mark of the two-to-four-week projected timetable he was given upon suffering the injury Oct. 28.

Jackets' Letestu (Groin) Out Two-To-Four Weeks

News:Mark Letestu suffered a groin pull in Tuesday's loss to the Senators and has been ruled out for two-to-four weeks, Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch reports.

Analysis: Columbus' list of injuries is nearing comical proportions at this point, as the team already has five players on IR and an additional two (Artem Anisimov and James Wisniewski) who suffered injuries Tuesday night and are expected to miss at least a week. Mark Letestu apparently suffered the injury on the final shift of the blowout loss, depriving the Blue Jackets of three of their top four centers. With three goals and two assists in nine games, Letestu was a serviceable if not exciting producer, but his absence will hurt the injury-ravaged Blue Jackets more than his fantasy owners.

Letestu Finds Net In Loss

News:Mark Letestu scored in a losing effort against the Kings on Sunday.

Analysis: The goal was his third of the year, and at five points overall, he could approach his career high of 34 from last season. He even got a shift on the power play, though that likely won't happen most games.

Letestu's Two Goals Help Lift Jackets To Win

News:Mark Letestu scored his first two goals of the year Thursday, opening with a second-period shortie and finishing with the game-winner in the waning seconds of the third period.

Analysis: In six games this year, Mark Letestu's got a pair of two-point efforts and four big, fat zeroes. At 29 years old and set to turn 30 during the season, there's not much upside here; don't expect him to exceed last year's 34-point output. He might not even match it.

Jackets' Letestu Dishes Out Two Helpers In Win

News:Mark Letestu dished out a pair of assists and was a plus-2 in Friday's win over Calgary.

Analysis:Mark Letestu was held off the scoresheet in the first three games of the season, but bounced back Friday with a solid two-point effort. Coming off a career-high 34-point season in 2013-14, Letestu should be in for another decent season with a Columbus team on the rise. Playing on the third line, but seeing no power-play time, it's safe to say we could see another 30-40 point season from the 29-year-old center in 2014-15.

Jackets' Letestu Has Two-Point Night Thursday

News:Mark Letestu scored a goal and added a power-play assist in Thursday's 5-4 preseason win over the Blues.

Analysis: The Blue Jackets' initial depth chart had Mark Letestu centering the fourth line, but with Ryan Johansen (contract dispute) and Nathan Horton (back) both out indefinitely the versatile Letestu could get a shot at a better line placement to begin the season. His fantasy ceiling would still be limited, but he's proven in the past he can have some value in deeper leagues, so he could be worth an early waiver wire grab if he winds up with a plum assignment.

Columbus' Letestu Surging Near Season's End

News:Mark Letestu potted his 11th goal of the season in Wednesday's 3-1 win over the Stars.

Analysis:Mark Letestu has now scored goals in three consecutive games and has five points in his last five contests. It hasn't resulted in much of an increase in ice time yet, but it should lock him into a top-six role during the playoffs.

Jackets' Letestu: Eight Points In Last Eight

News:Mark Letestu scored a goal and added an assist in Saturday's loss to Buffalo.

Analysis: Eight points in eight games? And that includes five goals -- the guy only has seven on the season. This will not continue for long, but Mark Letestu could provide a cool drink of water for your parched squad. Just be prepared to drop him again when this all dries up.

Jackets' Letestu Scores Again Friday

News:Mark Letestu scored a power-play goal Friday, giving him four goals and five points in his last four games.

Analysis: That's three straight games with special teams goals for Mark Letestu, although he sees more ice time on the penalty kill than the power play. He's capable of going on a bit of a tear, especially with the whole Blue Jackets team playing well right now, but if you do pick him up for a short-term boost don't hesitate to cut Letestu loose once he cools down again.

Jackets' Letestu Scores Twice In Win

News:Mark Letestu scored twice, including once while short handed, in Saturday's 6-3 win over Winnipeg. He has four points, including three goals, in his last four games.

Analysis: He has just 18 points, including four goals, in 45 games this season. He's struggling in the face-off circle and is under 50 percent for the first season in his career. And he's not delivering much by way of hits, blocks or PIM. We just can't recommend him right now.

Jackets' Letestu Finally Finds Back Of Net Again

News:Mark Letestu scored his first goal in 40 games in the Blue Jackets' 6-2 loss to the Blues.

Analysis: He is way off his previous pace as a Jacket, as Mark Letestu has just two goals and 15 points in 42 games this season, and barring a lineup shuffle that gets him regular power play time or a top-six placement that doesn't seem likely to change much any time soon.

Jackets' Letestu Picks Up Two Assists Monday

News:Mark Letestu notched two assists in Monday's 6-0 win over the Maple Leafs.

Analysis:Mark Letestu's mostly been stuck on the fourth line this season, collecting just one goal and seven points in 23 games. Unless injuries gut the Jackets' roster and he gets a top-six placement, don't look for a big resurgence from Letestu.

Jackets' Letestu Remains On Fourth Line

News:Mark Letestu continued to skate with Derek Mackenzie and Jared Boll on the Blue Jackets' fourth line during Friday's practice, the Columbus Dispatch reports.

Analysis: He'll get a chance for a higher placement later in the season but for now Mark Letestu's fantasy potential is limited with those linemates, although he is still seeing time on the point with the second power play unit. Through three games, Letestu has just one goal (a power-play tally) on five shots and a minus-1 rating.

Blue Jackets Lock Up Letestu

News:Mark Letestu has signed a two-year, $2.5 million extension with the Blue Jackets.

Analysis: His nine goals and 11 assists in 34 games actually ranks him second on the team in scoring, but that's more an indictment of the Blue Jackets' offense than a glowing recommendation for Mark Letestu. He's a solid depth forward who's asked to fill a little bigger role in Columbus due to their lack of talent up front, and he's more valuable to the Jackets than he is to fantasy owners.

Jackets, Letestu Close To Multi-Year Extension

News:Mark Letestu is close to reaching a multi-year contract extension with the Blue Jackets, Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch reports.

Analysis: The 28-year-old is in the final year of his two-year contract, but it seems the Blue Jackets will pony up to keep Mark Letestu around for at least a couple more years. He has 20 points (9G, 11A) in 34 games this season.

Letestu Sharp In Jackets' Win

News:Mark Letestu registered a goal and an assist in Friday's 6-4 win over Columbus, giving him a modest 18 points through 33 games.

Analysis:Mark Letestu is finishing up the final year of a two-year contract he signed with Pittsburgh before his trade to Columbus. His numbers are serviceable on this upstart Blue Jackets squad, making him worth a look in very deep leagues if you need forward help.

Jackets' Letestu Scores Lone Goal For Columbus

News:Mark Letestu was the only Blue Jacket to beat Roberto Luongo in Tuesday's 2-1 shootout loss to the Canucks.

Analysis: He's got six points (one goal, five assists) in his last eight games, but this is more a case of the Blue Jackets' rising tide lifting his boat rather than him leading the charge. As long as the club stays hot he'll have a little fantasy value, though.

Jackets' Letestu Notches Two Assists

News:Mark Letestu picked up a pair of assists in Tuesday's overtime loss to Dallas.

Analysis: In the horror show that has been the Jackets' season, Mark Letestu has been a rare bright spot, tallying a somewhat respectable 10 points in 18 games, performing well on faceoffs and going plus-2 on the year for a team with a minus-18 goal differential.

Jackets' Letestu Has A Two-Point Night

News:Mark Letestu picked up a power-play goal and added an assist at even strength in Thursday's overtime loss to the Flames.

Analysis: He was also a plus-2 on the night and won 10 of 15 faceoffs. Mark Letestu has responded since being moved onto what the Blue Jackets laughingly call a scoring line, notching three goals and five points in his last five games while playing about 15 minutes per night. He won't maintain that pace, but owners in deeper leagues may want to take a chance on getting some short-term value out of him.

Jackets' Letestu Hits The Scoresheet Saturday

Analysis: He's appeared in just three of five games so far and was on the ice for just eight minutes on Saturday, so while Cam Atkinson's injury does open up a top-six opportunity in the short term it doesn't look like Mark Letestu will be the guy to take advantage of it.

Jackets' Letestu A Healthy Scratch For Opener

News:Mark Letestu was in the press box for Saturday's 3-2 shootout win over the Predators.

Analysis: Ryan Johansen beat him out for a spot centering Vinny Prospal and Nick Foligno, so while no one on the Jackets' roster is exactly a lock to keep their jobs Mark Letestu may have to wait for an injury to get his chance at regular action.

Jackets' Letestu On Third Line To Open Camp

News:Mark Letestu skated on a line with Vinny Prospal and Nick Foligno on the first day of training camp, Rob Mixer of BlueJackets.com reports.

Analysis: It's hard to say what even constitutes a top-six line for the talent-thin Jackets, but this seems more like a solid group that can be used in any situation rather than a scoring unit. The presence of skilled wingers like Prospal and Foligno is a plus, but Mark Letestu's ceiling is still limited.

Assist In Return For Jackets' Letestu

News:Mark Letestu got right back in the action Tuesday in his return to the ice from a hand injury, collecting a power-play assist in 13:21 of ice time.

Analysis: He also took sit shots on goal and delivered a couple hits, so it was an active game for Mark Letestu. The undrafted Albertan has been productive in the AHL, and he should be a solid source of secondary (or perhaps tertiary) scoring in deep leagues.

Jackets Activate Letestu From IR

News: The Blue Jackets activated Mark Letestu from injured reserve Tuesday, according to the team's official Twitter page.

Analysis: It looks like Mark Letestu may play Tuesday night against St. Louis. He's only played in 25 games so far this season, recording 10 points (5G, 5A) in those contests. He's a goal-scorer (14 last season), and he should play a prominent role with the Jackets going forward.

Jackets' Letestu Close To Returning

News:Mark Letestu is slated to have the pin removed from his fractured hand Friday, and might only need a week after that to get back into the lineup, the Columbus Dispatch reports.

Analysis:Mark Letestu was seeing some time among the top six forwards when he was injured about a month ago, but there's no guarantee he'll get a similar placement when he returns. Don't rush to get him back in your lineup.

Blue Jackets Place Letestu On Injured Reserve

News: The Blue Jackets placed Mark Letestu (hand) on injured reserve Tuesday, according to the team's official Twitter page.

Analysis:Mark Letestu is expected to be out about six weeks with a broken bone in his hand. His injury comes at an unfortunate time for the Blue Jackets, as Jeff Carter (shoulder) and Kristian Huselius (groin) are also out.

Blue Jackets' Letestu Out With Broken Hand

News:Mark Letestu suffered a broken right hand in Thursday's loss to the Sharks, the Columbus Dispatch reports.

Analysis:Mark Letestu will miss several weeks while waiting for the broken bone to heal. He has been a lineup regular since being acquired by the Blue Jackets in early December, so the team will have to identify another player or two to fill in up front in his absence.

Letestu Notches Assist In Columbus Loss

News:Mark Letestu posted an assist in Monday's loss to Chicago, giving him two points in the last three games.

Analysis:Mark Letestu seems to be enjoying life in Columbus more than Pittsburgh, as he has seven points in 21 games with the Jackets. These are hardly huge numbers, but the Pens simply didn't have enough room on their roster for Letestu. He started quickly after going to Columbus, but his pace has slowed a bit.

Blue Jackets Give Letestu A Top Six Spot

News:Mark Letestu was skating on the Blue Jackets' second power-play unit during Wednesday's practice, the Columbus Dispatch reports.

Analysis: We don't expect that placement to last long, given Mark Letestu's skill set and Jeff Carter's imminent return from a foot injury, but he could be a comfortable fit on the Jackets' third line in the long term.

Letestu Newest Blue Jacket

News: The Blue Jackets have acquired Mark Letestu for a 4th round pick in the 2012 draft, according to the Penguins' Web site.

Analysis:Mark Letestu scored 14 goals for Pittsburgh a year ago but has been forced out due to a healthier Pens squad in 2011-12. He'll likely receive a better chance of reaching his potential with Columbus. Letestu had just one assist and a minus-6 rating in 11 games of limited playing time in Pittsburgh thus far.

Pens Call On Letestu For Saturday

News: The Pens envision a bigger role from Mark Letestu with Jordan Staal sidelined Saturday, the Penguins' Web site reports.

Analysis: "He needs to be better at where he's good which is making offensive plays, adding skill," coach Dan Bylsma said. "He'll get a chance to do that tonight on the power play and a lot of that is puck battles as well. He has to win puck battles in the offensive zone, on the power play, in the faceoff circle. He can be effective. That's where he's looking to add." Mark Letestu has started slowly, totaling one point and a minus-5 rating in eight games for Pittsburgh.

Letestu To Start Season With Pens

News:Mark Letestu survived the Pens' final cuts Monday to make the team for the second straight year out of camp.

Analysis: It will be interesting to see how long he lasts with Dustin Jeffrey (knee) and several others not too far away from returning to action. Mark Letestu played fairly well -- 14 goals and 27 points in 64 games -- in the absence of fellow centers Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Jordan Staal last year, but spots are harder to come by in 2011-12.

Pens' Letestu Standing Unknown

News:Mark Letestu could be on the bubble as the Pens enter their final round of cuts.

Analysis:Mark Letestu has a one-way contract and would need to pass through waivers if the team tried sending him to Wilkes-Barre. Letestu showed he can perform in a variety of roles last year, but he hasn't stood out in camp. He could get caught in a numbers game.

Letestu Playing For Pitt Tuesday

News: Letestu (upper body) will play against Philadelphia on Tuesday, PittsburghPenguins.com reports.

Analysis: Letestu might see a more prominent role in the rotation than he generally did for the 58-game span where he totaled only 24 points, so deep-league owners might want to keep an eye on him. He'll skate between James Neal and Alexei Kovalev. "I just talked to coach and he's throwing me out there," Letestu said. "It's like Groundhog Day for me. I've been through this once before."

Pens' Letestu Getting Close

News: While Letestu (upper-body injury) missed a fifth straight game Sunday, he is considered "probable" regarding his availability to play Tuesday at home against Philadelphia, coach Dan Bylsma told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

Analysis: Letestu only has 24 points in 58 games this season, but he may see time centering one of the top two lines when healthy because the Pens are so decimated at the pivot spot.

Pens' Letestu Skates Friday

Analysis: Letestu won't play Friday night against the Devils, but the Penguins need healthy centers more than ever. Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Letestu and now Dustin Jeffrey are all sidelined with different injuries.

Pens' Letestu Gets Top Billing

News: Letestu will center the Pens' top line Wednesday, a unit that includes James Neal and Alexei Kovalev, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Analysis: "Now that I have a chance with two pretty skilled players, there are no excuses for me," Letestu said. "I have to put up some points." Letestu scored a goal and added an assist Saturday in his first game back after a knee injury. The centerman has 11 goals and 22 points in 52 games but might be worth a flier.

Pens' Letestu Returns To Action With A Bang

News: Letestu scored one goal and assisted on another in Saturday's win over the Maple Leafs.

Analysis: Not bad for not playing in nearly four weeks. Letestu skated only 19 shifts, but looked particularly fresh in the overtime period, when he was paired with fellow forward Alexei Kovalev. Those two showed good chemistry together, something to file away for the future.

Penguins' Letestu Nears Return

News: Letestu (knee) believes that he has a shot to play as soon as Friday at Carolina or against Toronto on Saturday, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. "I don't think (playing) this weekend is out of the question," Letestu said. "(By) next week, I don't doubt it. That's a modest goal."

Analysis: Letestu, who racked up 10 goals and 20 points in 50 games prior to his injury, now slots into the day-to-day category. His return would certainly be a welcome one, with the Pens' injury woes up front.

Pitt's Letestu Out 4-to-6 Weeks

Analysis: Dustin Jeffrey figures to benefit the most from this, and he might be worth a look in the right format. He hasn't seen much time in the NHL, but he has five points (three goals) and is skating to a plus-6 rating in nine appearances this year.

Pens' Letestu Chips In With Roster Depleted

Analysis: The goal was Letestu's 10th of the year. He'll continue to see power-play time for as long as Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby are out with injuries. Letestu also did well in the faceoff circle Saturday, going 11-7 against the 'Canes.

Pens' Letestu Sees Top-Six Forward Time

News: Letestu skated primarily with Chris Kunitz and Pascal Dupuis on Thursday in a 2-0 loss to New Jersey.

Analysis: Letestu was also expected to get first-unit power-play time but the Pens saw just one opportunity on the man advantage -- he saw 1:07 on that power play. Letestu went 5-5 on faceoffs in a forgettable performance from the Penguins.

Pens' Letestu To See Increased Power-Play Time

News: Letestu will see additional power-play time with both Sidney Crosby (concussion) and Evgeni Malkin (undisclosed) sidelined.

Analysis: Letestu, who signed a two-year extension worth $1.25 million Tuesday, will get a chance to see time on Pittsburgh's top power-play unit Thursday in New Jersey. His fellow forwards will be Jordan Staal and Chris Kunitz instead of Crosby and Malkin. Still, much of the team's man advantage runs through defensemen like Kris Letang and Alex Goligoski. Letestu is the perfect type of north-south player who possesses just enough skill to take advantage of his new-found fantasy opportunity.

Letestu Playing Well For Pittsburgh

News: Letestu scored his eighth goal of the season in Tuesday's 6-3 win.

Analysis: Letestu stole the puck and overpowered forward Alex Burmistrov in the offensive zone, and then beat goalie Ondrej Pavelec for good measure. The Penguins forward has had a nice December, with four goals and seven points in 12 games as part of Pittsburgh's third line, called the "Buzz Line." It looks like the line -- Letestu, Tyler Kennedy and Chris Conner -- will stick together even after Jordan Staal returns.

Pens' Letestu Doubles His Pleasure Wednesday

Analysis: Letestu comprises one-third of Pittsburgh's No. 3 line, affectionately called the "Buzz" line, along with Tyler Kennedy and Chris Conner. As the unit's centerman, he won nine of 10 faceoffs against the Maple Leafs. With Evgeni Malkin out, Letestu's been given the chance to serve as the team's net-front presence during the power play. This is where most of his fantasy value comes from. Neither of his two scores Wednesday came on the man advantage, however.

Pens' Letestu Breaks Out of Slump Saturday

News: Letestu picked up a pair of assists in Saturday's 7-2 victory over Columbus.

Analysis: Letestu got some prime-time play on the power play with Evgeni Malkin sidelined. Prior to Saturday, the forward had collected only three assists in his last 20 games. He'll move back into a complementary role and probably isn't worth picking up, but his showing Saturday could get him more power-play opportunities down the road.

Slumping Letestu Centers Third Line for Pens

News: Letestu centered the Pens' third line in practice Friday afternoon, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Analysis: Letestu, whose linemates included Arron Asham and Max Talbot, has zero points in his last six games. Perhaps more troubling, the rookie's only taken seven shots in five contests after taking 24 in the first eight.

Pens' Letestu Cooling Off in Last Two Games

News: Letestu has been held without a point in his last two games.

Analysis: Letestu was due to cool off, but he was invisible for long stretches of Saturday's game. The Pens have talked about moving him from center to wing when guys like Arron Asham and Jordan Staal come back. It will be up to Letestu, however, to force the team's hand.

Pens' Letestu Takes Over Rookie Point Lead on Monday

News: Letestu scored a power-play goal and added an assist in a 5-2 win over Ottawa on Monday night.

Analysis: Letestu now has four goals and seven points in seven contests. Once again he started the game on the Pens' fourth line, only to move up as the game progressed. It will be interesting to see what his role is when Jordan Staal and Aaron Asham return, because Letestu needs to clear waivers to be sent back to the Baby Pens. Hopefully for Letestu fantasy owners, his continued success makes that scenario a long shot.

Letestu Assists in Pittsburgh Win Friday

News: Letestu picked up two assists and finished plus-2 despite playing on the Pens' fourth line for much of Friday's game.

Analysis: Letestu was dropped to a lower line in an effort to jumpstart the likes of Mike Comrie -- something that didn't seem to work out too well. Letestu is playing with loads of confidence, wherever coach Dan Bylsma lines him up.

Letestu Scores Against New Jersey

News: Letestu posted his second goal of the season in Monday's 3-1 win over New Jersey.

Analysis: Letestu's marker came on the power play -- the first man-advantage score of Letestu's career -- on a flurry in front of the goal. The Pens are showing confidence in the youngster by playing him alongside their elite players and he's responded in the season's early-goings.

Pens' Letestu Nets Third Period Goal Saturday

News: Letestu scored his first goal of the season Saturday night against Montreal.

Analysis: It looked like Letestu would get credit for the game-winner before the Canadiens rallied for two, late third-period scores. Letestu saw ice time throughout the third period, a sign that he's earned the trust of coach Dan Bylsma and could stick around even after Jordan Staal and Aaron Asham return.

Letestu Looking to Break Camp with Pens

News: Letestu continues to make a strong case for opening the season with Pittsburgh, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Analysis: Letestu has a two-way contract, but would have to pass through waivers if sent to Wilkes-Barre. He has four assists in two games, but coach Dan Bylsma said Letestu will audition on a checking line the rest of camp. "He probably won't be in a first- or second-line role going forward," Bylsma said. "As we get closer and closer to the end [of the preseason], exhibition games will be more like an NHL game."

Letestu Sets Up a Pair in Win

News: Letestu collected a pair of assists Friday.

Analysis: He's making a push to be on Pittsburgh's fourth line heading into the season. Coach Dan Bylsma has commented during camp about Letestu's strong play. His likely upside for 2010-11 is 10-15 goals, so there's no reason to rush out and grab him. Still, he's worth keeping an eye on, as are many Penguins secondary players.

Pens' Letestu Playing on Line with Cooke and Asham

News: Letestu has skated with Aaron Asham and Matt Cooke during camp, the Penguins' Web site reports.

Analysis: "Letestu played games as our third-line center last year when he played in the National Hockey League," coach Dan Bylsma said. "He was put in a playoff game because we were trying to win and he was a guy we thought could help us do that. So to see him on a line with Cooke and Asham is an indication of what we think a possibility for him to have success would be in." Letestu has a chance to be a 10-15 goal scorer with regular ice time in the NHL, but there are no guarantees he even makes the team.

Letestu, Curry sent back to AHL

Analysis: Both of these guys are just organizational depth at the moment, and have no Fantasy value for the time being. Curry will need an injury to one of the Penguins' two current goalies to get a shot.

Penguins recall two from AHL

News: The Penguins recalled Mark Letestu and Tim Wallace from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League on Friday.

Analysis: Letestu has a goal in five games with the Penguins. Wallace had two assists in 16 games with the Penguins last season. He has not played in the NHL this season. Both of these guys are just organiztional depth at this point and can continue to be ignored in all Fantasy formats.

Pens send down Johnson, Letestu

Analysis: Letestu scored in Monday's win over Buffalo, but he's still too far down on the depth chart to stick around. Johnson played in six games this trip up, managing a goal and an assist during an average of 10 minutes of ice time. Both of these guys are just organiztional depth at this point and can continue to be ignored in all formats.

Pens undefeated when Letestu plays

News:The Sports Xchange reports Penguins C Mark Letestu was recalled from Wilkes-Barre (AHL) Saturday night and played well on Sunday against the Red Wings while centering the third line. The Penguins are 3-0-1 in games he plays this season.

Analysis: Letestu is an undrafted free agent that has been a career minor leaguer. He has no points in four games, and no matter how much luck he brings to Pittsburgh, Letestu is merely organizational depth. He is not worth owning in Fantasy.